Abstract: The invention relates to a security strip and security paper for obtaining security documents such as legal tender notes, checks or identification documents, comprising a cellulose support web that is completely embedded in a pulp substrate. As both the substrate and the support web are formed by plant fibers, a series of physical and chemical bonds are established between the fibers of both elements, the support web thus being perfectly integrated in the pulp. The cellulose support web will sometimes have a series of security elements, such as pigments, synthetic elements and/or security fibers of the type normally used in this type of application.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying, by a computer system, at least one line of a plurality of lines that are disposed at a first layer of a card; providing, by the computer system and based on the identified at least one line, control signals to a laser device of the computer system, the control signals indicating coordinates for the identified at least one line; generating, by the laser device and based on the control signals, one or more line patterns that are embedded at a particular layer of the card.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for forming a surface relief microstructure, including the steps of A) applying a curable composition to at least a portion of the frontside of the paper substrate, B) contacting at least a portion of the curable composition with surface relief microstructure, C) curing the composition by using at least one UV lamp which is arranged on the backside of the paper substrate, and D) depositing a metallic layer, and optionally a layer of a transparent high refractive index material, on at least a portion of the cured composition, wherein the UV lamp has an emission peak in a UV-A range of 320 nm to 400 nm and additionally in a near VIS range of 400 nm to 450 nm, the curable composition comprises a photoinitiator which absorbs in the UV-A range and also in the near VIS range.

Abstract: A system for student check in and check out wherein unique identification badges are used in conjunction with a centralized communication system to maintain a database of each student's intended destinations on a day to day basis, thereby ensuring each student is transported to a correct intended destination and tracked throughout the process.

Abstract: It is provided a label for attaching on a packaging, particularly for cosmetical and/or pharmaceutical products, comprising a packaging label with a machine-readable identification code, particularly an EAN-barcode, and a cover label covering at least partially the identification code for rendering the identification code machine-unreadable, wherein the cover label is adapted for irreversibly damaging the identification code. Due to the cover label the identification code is machine-unreadable, so that a scanner cash register would not accept a packaging provided with this label and a resale is prevented. Since the identification code would be irreversibly damaged by the cover label, the identification code stays machine-unreadable even when the cover label is removed. The risk for an unauthorized resale of a packaging can be reduced in a facilitated manner.

Abstract: A lottery instant-game ticket and method of making same. On a substrate is placed a first set of game indicia including a first set of game symbols, and a second set of indicia larger than the first set of game indicia and including a second set of game symbols, and includes any winning symbol. A subset of the second set of game indicia with each symbol including a non-winning indicator. The first set and second of game indicia are covered with a removable covering, with the covering having position indicators positioned substantially over each of the first set of game indicia, and identical game symbols positioned substantially over a corresponding identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia such that removal of the identical game symbol reveals the identical game symbol of the second set of game indicia and any non-winning indicator, if present.

Abstract: An optical security label for security and anti-counterfeit applications comprises a first layer having an optically variable portion (diffractive, holographic or interference film) generating an optically variable effect secured to a support layer by a weak adhesive layer such that the first layer can be scratched off the third support layer to reveal underlying data and the label is affixed to a substrate by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The label or substrate carry the data to be protected such a printed or personalized paper or plastic substrate. In one aspect the scratch off region is patterned and also the data can comprise a pattern of alternate scratch off and permanent areas. In one aspect the label is a thin frangible structure delivered to the substrate with a weakly bound top carrier. In another aspect the optical variable device includes a covert image authenticated by a decoder carried on the top of the removable carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a security label for the detection of counterfeiting and tampering. The invention comprises a combination of an iridescent laminated or multilayered material with a lenticular layer. The iridescent layer exhibits an angular dependence in its coloration in reflection and/or transmission and the lenticular layer acts as a filter to light of a given angle of incidence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier into which, by means of a laser beam, identifiers are introduced that are visible in the form of irreversible changes, caused by the laser beam, in the optical properties of the data carrier. According to the present invention, the data carrier comprises a laser-sensitive layer (20) that is opaque in the visible spectral range, and that is combined with a securing layer (22) that is metallized at least in a sub-area, the identifiers (30, 32) being introduced by the laser beam simultaneously and in perfect register into the laser-sensitive layer (20) and the metallized sub-area (24) of the securing layer (22).

Abstract: The invention concerns a security element (10) for RF identification, and a security document which is provided with such a security element (10). The security element has a flexible film body (104) into which are integrated an electronic circuit which is designed for the storage of security-relevant items of information and an RF antenna which is connected to the electronic circuit and which serves for contact-less communication of the electronic circuit with a test device. Permanently fixed on a surface of the flexible film body (104) is a first optically variable element (102) which at least region-wise covers the region of the flexible film body in which the electronic circuit is arranged, wherein permanently fixed on the other opposite surface of the flexible film body is a second optically variable element.

Abstract: A security image and method of forming said image is disclosed wherein a substrate having an image or indicia thereon is coated with a dilute solution of pigment flakes in an ink or paint. The flakes are subsequently aligned in a magnetic field and are fixed after the field is applied. Most or all of the flakes in a region are aligned so as to be partially upstanding wherein their faces are essentially parallel. Coating the image with flakes yields a latent image which can be clearly seen at a small range of predetermined angles.

Abstract: A safety skin appliqué kit for parents and custodians of children, disabled persons, and the elderly, including a marking pen and a pre-packaged collection of preprinted skin appliqués each removably sandwiched between two carrier sheets. Each of the appliqués further comprise a die cut section of breathable polyurethane tape, printed with a forward image on one side defined by a lightly-colored high-contrast window, and pre-printed plea to call if lost. The appliqués are coated with hypoallergenic acrylate adhesive for application to skin or other surfaces. Parents and custodians can apply one of said appliques' to their child, disabled person, or elderly charge, and write a contact telephone number in the window of the appliqué. This way, if their charge becomes lost, passersby will notice the appliqué, read the contact telephone number, and call the custodian.

Abstract: A card forming sheet includes an opaque printing sheet and a transparent film placed over the printing sheet, so that the transparent film can be peeled away from the printing sheet and cannot be re-bonded to the printing sheet. Moreover, the card forming sheet includes a transparent adhesive and a peeling sheet placed over the adhesive layer. The printing sheet is divided into a substantially rectangular address describing part, an information describing part adjacent to one side of the address describing part, and a concealing part adjacent to another side of the address describing part. The card forming sheet is folded along a boundary between the address describing part and the information describing part. The two sides are bonded together so that the printing sheet is placed to the outside, and the card forming sheet is then folded along a boundary between the concealing part and the address describing part and bonded together, removably concealing the information.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of printed security documents and, more particularly, to security documents and methods of making security documents bearing enhanced security features. The security documents may include identification documents or any other known documents of value. The security document includes a transparent window area with an ultraviolet blocking agent incorporated therein. Invisible ultraviolet fluorescent ink patterns are printed on respective opposite sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the region of the transparent window area. When either the face side or back side of the security document is illuminated with ultraviolet light, only the pattern printed proximate that side within the area of the transparent window becomes visible. When both face and back sides are simultaneously illuminated with ultraviolet light, the patterns printed on both sides of the ultraviolet blocking agent within the area of the transparent window become visible at the same time.

Abstract: A data storage card having a lenticular image feature and a method for fabricating a data storage card. The data storage card can include multiple material layers that are heat laminated so that the data storage card resists delamination of the material layers during use. A lenticular lens array is printed on a front surface of the data storage card, whereby an interlaced image is visible through the lenticular lens array and through an underlying optically clear substrate to create a lenticular image feature. The data storage card can be an identification card, such as a financial transaction card.

Abstract: A second surface micromotion display includes a see-through base having a first surface, defined in the art as a front surface facing a viewer, and a second surface, defined in the art as a rear surface opposite to the front surface and facing away from the viewer, an image formed over the second surface, a micromotion textured pattern formed over the image, and a reflective layer over the micromotion textured pattern, such that the illusion of motion is viewable through the base as reflected from the reflective layer through the micromotion textured pattern.

Abstract: A decorative foil is in the form of a layer composite structure (1) and comprises at least a transparent base foil (2), a transparent cover layer (4) and a transparent dielectric layer (3) arranged between the base foil (2) and the cover layer (4). When the decorative foil serves as a lamination foil for a substrate (5) the material of the cover layer (4) is an adhesive. A reflective metallic layer (6) is arranged at least in surface portions between the dielectric layer (3) and the cover layer (4) and optionally a metal film (11) is also arranged on the side of the dielectric layer (3) facing the base foil (2). General items of information shown by the decorative foil are produced by means of modulation of the thickness (s) of the dielectric layer (3). Transparent locations (7) form individual items of information, wherein the transparent locations (7) are produced with a laser beam (19) by perforating the metal layer (6; 11).

Abstract: A wrapped-card assembly comprising a data-encoded card enclosed in a wrapping. The data-encoded card comprises confidential and non-confidential information in a visible form. The wrapping comprises an opaque area and a transparent area. The opaque area covers at least partially the confidential information. The transparent area covers at least partially the non-confidential information.

Abstract: Methods of creating tamper resistant informational articles and related products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens has a preformed transparent hologram, metallized portions are provided and may be altered through selective application of heat to predetermined parts thereof to create information which may be fixed or variable. Printing may be provided on the hologram before metallizing. A base portion underlies the metallized layer. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base portion has a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof with portions of the hologram being made readily visible by partial metallization covering only portions of the hologram with or without information provided as by printing overlying or underlying portions of the metallized sector or both. A transparent overlying lens is secured in overlying relationship. Metallizing may be such as to permit viewing underlying hologram portions or information or not. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: A security device comprises an optically variable effect generating structure (3,4). An obscuring layer (7) is located, in use, between the optically variable effect generating structure and a substrate (8) to which the device is secured. A color layer (6) is also included which exhibits one or more predetermined colors when viewed under certain viewing conditions from the side of the device remote from the obscuring layer. The obscuring layer (7) is substantially opaque under the said certain viewing conditions.

Abstract: Methods of creating tamper resistant informational articles and related products are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens has a preformed transparent hologram, metallized portions are provided and may be altered through selective application of heat to predetermined parts thereof to create information which may be fixed or variable. Printing may be provided on the hologram before metallizing. A base portion underlies the metallized layer. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an opaque base portion has a hologram formed in the upper surface thereof with portions of the hologram being made readily visible by partial metallization covering only portions of the hologram with or without information provided as by printing overlying or underlying portions of the metallized sector or both. A transparent overlying lens is secured in overlying relationship. Metallizing may be such as to permit viewing underlying hologram portions or information or not. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: A double blind study label for use in, e.g., a drug study. A first portion of the label, identifying the test drug, is coupled to a vial containing either the test drug or a placebo. The second portion of the label identifies the actual contents of the vial, along with instructions in case of an adverse reaction, but all of which is concealed by an scratch-off, opaque layer. The second portion is severed from the first portion and held by the testing agency. Thus, every participant believes he/she is taking the drug under test. Should the participant suffer and adverse reaction, the testing agency can be contacted whereby the opaque layer is scratched off the emergency instructions relayed to the participant.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein particularly in the region of the window-like opening, the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: A security document (1), such as a bank note, is formed from a sheet-like substrate (10) of clear plastic material with layers (13, 14, 15, 16) of opacifying ink applied to the surfaces (11, 12) of the substrate (10). The security document (1) includes a security device (20) which is at least partially obscured by the layers (13, 14) of opacifying ink on a flat surface (11) of the substrate (10). The layers (15, 16) on the second surface (12) of the substrate (10) are applied in such a manner so as to leave a “half-window” area uncovered by opacifying ink through which the security device (20) is visible for one side of the document (1). The security device (20) may extend transversely outside the half-window area and be visible in transmission, enabling a different contrasting effect to be observed from both sides of the document.

Abstract: A security document (1), such as a bank note, is formed from a sheet-like substrate (10) of clear plastic material with layers (13, 14, 15, 16) of opacifying ink applied to the surfaces (11, 12) of the substrate (10). The security document (1) includes a security device (20) which is at least partially obscured by the layers (13, 14) of opacifying ink on a flat surface (11) of the substrate (10). The layers (15, 16) on the second surface (12) of the substrate (10) are applied in such a manner so as to leave a “half-window” area uncovered by opacifying ink through which the security device (20) is visible for one side of the document (1). The security device (20) may extend transversely outside the half-window area and be visible in transmission, enabling a different contrasting effect to be observed from both sides of the document.

Abstract: A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.

Abstract: A multi-part, partially pre-printed form useful as an airbill has address information printed thereon by a non-impact printer. Different configurations of the form are described, including panels overlappingly affixed together by an adhesive having removable strips defined by cuts through the top overlapping panels. The center panel is transparent or at least translucent. The address information printed on the outer panels is in a mirror image format relative to the information printed on the transparent panel.

Abstract: A multilayer data carrier is described which bears general printed data and furthermore has a transparent layer containing additives which are absorbent for a laser beam. The transparent layer is designed so that it exists in the card compound as a thin, nonself-supporting layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a scratch-off type lottery ticket in which a layer comprised of a non-conductive ink region and a conductive ink region are printed below an opaque scratch-off layer. The conductive ink region is detectable through the opaque layer by conventional lottery ticket authentication/validation machines.

Abstract: A scratch-off lottery game including a substrate having at least one area having printed indicia thereon, the printed indicia being covered by at least one clear, transparent layer which can be removed by scratching, and at least one layer on said clear transparent layer which is colored, transparent and made of a non-scratch-off material, the colored transparent layer being affixed to the clear transparent layer in a manner in which removing the clear transparent layer by scratching results in removal of the colored transparent layer.

Abstract: A releasing agent is applied to opposite side edge portions of a tack sheet to form releasing regions. A laminated sheet provided with an adhesive layer having exposed opposite side edge portions is overlaid on the tack sheet. The laminated sheet is bonded to the tack sheet through portions of the adhesive layer not corresponding to the releasing regions. The laminated sheet is punched to form a plurality of divisions, and the divisions are bonded to the tack sheet by the portions of the adhesive layer not corresponding to the releasing regions. Portions having a desired figure of the tack sheet are punched out to provide adhesive labels.

Abstract: An antifalsification paper having a security element in the form of a thread or band that consists of a translucent plastic film with an at least partly opaque coating. The coating has translucent areas in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns that form first information. In addition second information in the form of visually and/or machine readable characters or patterns is disposed on the plastic film, differing from the first information with respect to its size and/or visual impression.

Abstract: A display assembly uses a particular point of purchase label construction associated with a point of purchase display construction associated with a displayed item for purchase that does not take up valuable area that is covered by price stickers, or the like, and in a manner that allows a retail establishment to save up to several hours a week in prominently displaying point of purchase messages. The label construction includes a label face stock having first and second faces, an opaque release liner stock also having first and second faces, the first face of the release liner ply having an adhesive release coating (such as silicone), and the second face of the release liner having first, point of purchase, indicia imaged thereon (such as "As Advertised"), and a pressure sensitive adhesive (preferably repositional) between the adhesive release coating the label face stock to releasably hold the plies together.

Abstract: A multilayer data carrier is described which bears general printed data and furthermore has a transparent layer containing additives which are absorbent for a laser beam. The transparent layer is designed so that it exists in the card compound as a thin, nonself-supporting layer.

Abstract: A forgery-preventive fretwork paper comprising a support layer and an engraving coating layer, the support layer being a stretched laminate which comprises a biaxially stretched propylene resin film layer as a base layer and, laminated thereto on each of front and back sides thereof, a uniaxially stretched propylene resin film layer containing fine inorganic powder, wherein said support layer has (1) an opacity (JIS P-8138) of from 50 to 100% and (2) a density (JIS P-8188) of from 0.70 to 1.4 g/cm.sup.3, and the paper bearing an engraving extending into the engraving coating layer or to one of the uniaxially stretched films of the support layer.

Abstract: A reprintable label that can be printed and erased many times without becoming visually degraded. The label is particularly suited for displaying the due date on library materials and video rentals. The label consist of a normally opaque plastic sheet attached to a wax coated colored card. On the back of the colored card is a pressure sensitive adhesive for attaching the label to articles. Printing is accomplished by the application pressure to the opaque plastic sheet, so that it sticks to the underlying wax. Where the opaque sheet sticks to the wax it changes color. The label is erased by pneumatically lifting the plastic sheet away from the wax coating.

Abstract: A card, such as an ID card, is composed of the following layers: at least one core layer containing at least one first core component layer of a first composition, consisting of a polypropylene block polymer and/or polyropylene homopolymer or a mixture thereof and a second core component layer provided on at least the exterior face to which an outer layer has been laminated and is made of a second composition, consisting of unoriented polypropylene or an unoriented copolymer; at least one outer layer containing at least one outer component layer made of a third composition of polypropylene homopolymer and a second outer component layer provided on at least the exterior face with which the outer layer is laminated to the core layer and which contains a fourth composition of unoriented-polypropylene or an unoriented copolymer. The first and second core component and outer component layers are solidly connected with each other by coextrusion.

Abstract: A color coded warning label in which the color code has a removable opaque coating and the label is provided with a self-laminating flap for protecting the removable coating prior to use and for making the code permanent during use is described. A method for using the color coded label to quantify the level of a hazard is also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating artwork which comprises a second image which is located in direct overlying relation to a first image. In particular, the method includes providing a first image such as a print, having a first reflective quality. A substantially transparent coating, having a reflectivity substantially different than the reflectivity of the first image, is selectively disposed over the first image. The method provides artwork having a first image visible through the transparent coating which is used to create the second image. A separate reflected image is created as a result of the differences in reflective characteristics between the first and second images.

Abstract: A printing process is disclosed which easily and rapidly produces products containing images which are very striking and dramatic. The process uses ordinary paper or foil substrates and prints white and color layers using conventional printing equipment and operations, keeping production costs low, making the process and resulting products quite economical. The variety of visual appearances that can be created provide wide flexibility to create images with dramatic depth and highlighting. The invention uses reflective, white and color layers of varying densities and areas of application, applied to ordinary paper- or foil-based substrates, to achieve the highlighted and depth-appearing images. The printed products of the present invention, with their dramatic images incorporating highlights and the appearance of depth, can be used as printed materials for many purposes, including packaging, publications, illustrations, cards, and numerous other applications.

Abstract: A laminated multilayer film substrate for use in the production of banknotes includes a first layer comprises (a) a first layer having inner and outer sides, comprising at least about 50 weight percent of a high density polyethylene having a density of at least about 0.94, said first layer being oriented in the transverse direction (TD) to a degree which is at least three times greater than the degree of orientation present in the machine direction (MD);(b) a second layer having inner and outer sides, comprising at least about 50 weight percent of a high density polyethylene having a density of at least about 0.

Abstract: A lottery card comprising a given number of fields, arranged in a successive order. Each field is divided into a given number of frames. At least one of the frames of every field contains a mark. All marks are related to each other according to a successive order, and are concealed by being coated with a removable coating.

Abstract: A calendar comprises a multiplicity of base sheets, each of which bears visual indicia of a plurality of day dates in a matrix of date sections. Each day date indicia occupies only a day date image portion of each date section, thus leaving a portion of each date section blank. The day date image portions of all date sections of all sheets correspond in size and position. The calendar further comprises an overlay sheet bearing graphic material in a matrix of image sections that correspond to and register with the date sections of the base sheets. Each graphic image appears only in an image portion of each image section. Each image section of the overlay sheet has a window that corresponds to and registers with the day date image portion of the date sections of each base sheet so that the day date indicia are fully visible through the windows of the overlay sheet.

Abstract: A system for the automated production of an identification card includes a two-part security media and apparatus for printing, laminating and die-cutting the security media to form discrete identification cards. The two-part security media includes a continuous web of an opaque backing film, and a continuous web of a clear cover film which acts as a receptor for receiving a thermally printed digital card image. A first thermal web printer is operative for printing a reversed digital card image onto an inner surface of the cover film adjacent a terminal end thereof. A second thermal web printer prints a second image onto the back of the backing film at a terminal end thereof. The printed ends of the backing and cover films are advanced to a cutting station wherein they are aligned in overlying relation and severed from their webs.

Abstract: A presentation folder having a plastic cover sheet or front and back cover sheets joined at a common edge, capable of holding and protecting contents such as papers having information thereon. The cover sheet has pre-applied graphics forming selected opaque display areas, the remaining areas being transparent or translucent and thus capable of revealing at least some of the information on said papers.

Abstract: A sealed aperture is formed in a laminated assembly by prepunching a central sheet such as a paper art print to form a first aperture and then laminating the art print between two sheets of laminating film to form a laminated assembly in which the two films are fused together in the aperture to form a single film in the form of a disc. A second aperture is then punched through the disc having a smaller diameter than the film aperture such that a sealed border remains between the second aperture and the first aperture.

Abstract: A paper card for providing a simulated fortune telling experience having a plurality of differing indicia printed thereon arranged in a defined pattern and having an opaque coating of material overlying the differing indicia sufficient to block the indicia from view without obstructing the defined pattern of arrangement of the indicia. The card further includes instructions printed thereon sufficient to instruct a reader regarding removal of the opaque coating from only certain portions within the defined pattern, to expose only the indicia in those limited areas, which the reader can interpret as he or she chooses for a simulated fortune telling experience.

Abstract: A placemat defining a translucent upper surface supporting a red/yellow obscuring design; a plate formed of a transparent red material; and a latent image formed on the placemat obscured by the red/yellow design, the plate being placed upon the placemat overlying the latent image to filter out the obscuring design and reveal the latent image.

Abstract: An optical security device for use on a security article comprises a number of layers including an optically diffracting layer and an at least partially reflective layer which together generate a first image. A non-optically diffracting second image is provided within the device in association with the first image.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive adhesive sheet for bonding a pair of information-recorded faces, belonging to the same sheet or two different sheets of recording material, together by application of heat thereto, which comprises three or more layers, including a support and a synthetic resin layer coated on either side of the support, having a peeling resistance ranging from 10 to 150 g/50 mm between the support and each synthetic resin layer in the T-peel test performed at a peeling speed of 300 mm/min. in the atmosphere of 20.degree. C.